NUIP PRECEPTORS
The Coordinated Master's Program (CMP) develops entry‐level registered dietitian nutritionists who are prepared to practice in diverse settings. We take a multifaceted approach to education by facilitating high-quality experiential learning, community engagement, research, and professional development. Further, we aim to prepare graduates who will advance the field of dietetics, enhance health and prevent chronic disease, and translate research into real-world solutions.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Our preceptors are critical to our mission!
Beth Wolfgram - 2016
Jen Derrick, MS, RDN, CD - 2017
Chelsey Evans, MS, RDN, CD - 2018
Joan Heusser, RD, CD - 2019
Mary Playdon, PhD, MPH - 2020
Mary Playdon, PhD, MPH - 2021
Ashley Hagensick, M.E.d., RD - 2022
Joan Heusser, RD, CD, NBC-HWC - 2023
What our students said about Joan Heusser:
Joan helped me to see my strengths, and she inspired me to dream bigger. I have never felt like I had the right personality for leadership, but Joan helped me understand that leadership qualities can be cultivated. She shared her experiences, taught by example, and helped me see my future in a new light.
~ Brooke Walters
I have been lucky enough to have Joan as my preceptor for the past six months, initially during my community rotation, and currently as I fulfill my capstone hours at the VA in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. During this time, Joan has given me the opportunity to refine my skills as a professional and participate in projects that fulfill my passions in dietetics. She has become much more than just a preceptor; she is a role model, mentor, a leader, and has impacted my abilities to help others in my future role as a dietitian.
~ Sarah Puig-Holzman
PRECEPTOR REQUIREMENTS
- Preceptors must be licensed, as appropriate, to meet state and federal regulations, or credentialed, as needed, in the area in which they are supervising students and must be qualified to serve as educators and professional role models.
- Orientated to the mission, goals and objectives of the nutrition and dietetics program, the ACEND Standards and required knowledge and competencies.
- Program preceptors must be trained on strategies to recognize and monitor biases in self and others and reduce instances of microaggressions and discrimination.
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Mission Statement
The Coordinated Master's Program (CMP) develops entry‐level registered dietitian nutritionists who are prepared to practice in diverse settings. We take a multifaceted approach to education by facilitating high-quality experiential learning, community engagement, research, and professional development. Further, we aim to prepare graduates who will advance the field of dietetics, enhance health and prevent chronic disease, and translate research into real-world solutions.
Program Goals and Objectives
The CMP goals and objectives are as follows:
Goal #1. The program will prepare graduates to be innovative leaders who advance the fields of Nutrition Education and Research and Sports Nutrition with professionalism.
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Program Objectives aligned with goal #1 At least 80% of program students complete program requirements within 3 years (150% of the planned program length). Of graduates who seek employment, at least 90% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation. At least 90% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion. The program's one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%. At least 80% of employers who respond to a survey will indicate they are satisfied with their employee's (University of Utah CMP graduates) preparation for entry-level practice.
Goal #2. The program will prepare graduates who are committed to improving nutrition outcomes for all by demonstrating cultural humility and evidence-based practices.
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Program Objectives aligned with goal #2 80% of program graduates will report practicing cultural humility in their nutrition and dietetics work when surveyed. 90% of program graduates will report utilization of evidence-based practices in their nutrition and dietetics work when surveyed.
The CMP takes two years to complete. Graduates of this program, accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, have a high pass rate on the national exam for registered dietitians.
CMP Expected Learning Outcomes
Program graduates will demonstrate a mastery of key concepts in the following areas of nutrition: medical nutrition therapy, nutrition biochemistry, micronutrient metabolism, macronutrient metabolism, nutrition assessment, research methods, nutrition programs and policy, nutrition and health communications, the broad aspects of food and food systems, and nutrition counseling techniques.
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Program graduates will: Integrate scientific information and research into practice. Use effective nutrition communication skills, including written reports, consumer and professional presentations, multimedia approaches, individual consultation, technical research formats, medical charting techniques and successful interactions with healthcare teams. Practice dietetics using the nutrition care process model. Apply professional, scientific, and patient/family ethics in their professional careers. Demonstrate cultural humility in providing nutrition information and care, including knowledge of multicultural food practices, community programs and disparities in food, nutrition and healthcare. Employ leadership skills and demonstrate the desire for continuing education and professional growth. Be prepared to pass the national registration examination for dietitians.
Information relating to the program outcomes is available upon request. Contact the Program Director at: kary.woodruff@utah.edu.
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Information to assist nutrition and dietetics faculty and preceptors on the topic of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
PRECEPTOR RESOURCES
Info about CPEU Credit for Preceptors
Nutrition and Dietetics Preceptor Training Course
ACEND Preceptor Education Requirements
- Implicit bias, etc.
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Information and Resources
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The Coordinated Master’s Program establishes affiliation agreements with facilities prior to placing students for supervised practice. These documents describe the process. Our faculty and staff will work with you to initiate and complete the training agreement process.
STUDENT EXPECATIONS & EVALUATION FORMS
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Student Evaluation of Preceptors
- Preceptors Evaluation of Student:
Supervised Practice Competencies (Outcomes) Checklist:
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PLANNED SUPERVISED PRACTICE HOURS
Community Nutrition Field Experience 50 Community Nutrition 120 Clinical Rotation 280 Food Management 136 Nutrition Policy Experience 10 Culinary Medicine and IPE 10 Thesis or Non-Thesis (FAS) 100 Capstone Experience 320 MNT Lab 3 TOTAL
1,029
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The Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology provides professional liability insurance for each student during their participation in the Coordinated Master's Program. The liability policy provides insurance for claims arising out of real or alleged medical incidents when the injury being claimed results from an act of omission. Payment of court costs is also provided. Expert legal counsel and claims adjusters are immediately available to aid and defend the insured without cost to the student.
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Supervised Practice is a critical part of the education of dietetic students.
University of Utah’s Supervised Practice takes place during the summer session following the students first year of the CMP. Capstone rotations take place during the students second year in the program. ACEND requires 1000 hours of practice under the guidance of a qualified preceptor.
To ensure that the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct are followed during supervised practice experiences, students must adhere to the prescribed professional and ethical standards of the dietetic profession a outlined in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Code of Ethics.
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The student must comply with the standards of dress and appearance outlined by their supervised practice facility.
The following standards of appearance are minimum standards. Should the supervised practice facility maintain additional/stricter standards of appearance or cleanliness, the student must comply with the facility's standards.
- Dress in business casual attire.
- Present a clean, professional appearance. Everyone is expected to be well-groomed and wear clean clothing, free of holes, tears, or other signs of wear.
- Clothing with offensive or inappropriate designs or stamps is not allowed.
- Clothing should not be too revealing.
- Clothing and grooming styles dictated by religion or ethnicity are exempt.
- Footwear: Clean, comfortable shoes should be worn.
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All CMP students are required to undergo a background check, drug testing, provide health history and immunization records at the beginning of Fall Semester of their first year. These student records are stored with and reviewed by www.castlebranch.com (a neutral third party).
Our faculty will work with you to ensure that all of your individual facility requirements are met prior to a student starting a rotation with you.
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